A stuffy nose is a common symptom that accompanies many routine health conditions, such as allergies, a cold, or a sinus infection. When your nasal passages become blocked, it can cause a disruption in your daily activities, such as speaking and breathing. Many people associate a stuffy nose with an excessive production of mucous in the nasal passage, and are therefore frustrated to find blowing their nose doesn’t provide relief. However, nasal congestion is actually the result of inflamed blood vessels. If you’re struggling with congestion, here are some easy ways to find reprieve:

allergies treatment in murrieta california

  1. Steam. There are many ways to use steam to clear your nasal passages. Taking a hot shower or placing your head above a steaming pot of water are two simple and effective methods. Steam helps to reduce inflammation, allowing your breathing to normalize. When using this method, be sure the water is not hot enough to harm you. Also be aware that this method, though effective, may not provide long-lasting relief.
  2. Saline spray. A salt-water solution can be dispersed into your nasal passages to help moisturize the area draw out fluid. This will help to reduce the swelling in your blood vessels and allow you to breath easily. Saline solutions can be bought in stores or made at home using distilled water.
  3. Hydrate. Keeping your body adequately hydrated will allow you to thin out the mucus in your nasal passages and reduce inflammation. When experiencing a stuffy nose, keep a water bottle, sports drink or tea on hand to keep your fluid intake high.
  4. Consult an ear, nose and throat doctor. If you suspect your symptoms may be allergy- or sinus-related, an ENT specialist can help you find solutions to manage your condition. While over-the-counter medications may provide temporary relief, they should not be used daily. ENT doctors can perform properly diagnose your condition and find effective ways of reducing or even curing your congestion.

To find an ENT specialist in Murrieta, or to learn more about sinus and allergy testing procedures, contact our team to at .